Since 2006, the Mexican government has been in embroiled in a bloody drug war, which has failed to significantly curbtrafficking. The ongoing conflict poses mounting challenges for Mexico, which is trying to polish its image as an investment hotspot, as well as the United States, its most important regional partner.

As U.S. public opinion increasingly favors stronger immigration controls, the Senate considers a bill that would impose harsh penalties on illegal immigrants. The U.S.-Mexican relationship has suffered as a result.

The contentious July 2006 Mexican presidential election has placed Mexico squarely back on the U.S. foreign policy agenda. This report offers concrete policy recommendations to the U.S. government on how to help Mexico deal with its future challenges. This report is also available in Spanish.

As Mexico continues to struggle with the effects of illegal activity within and along its border region, evidenced by dramatic growth in drug-related violence, join U.S. Representative Kay Granger for a congressional perspective on the status of U.S. security assistance to Mexico and policy options moving forward.

Please join President Calderón during one of his final international trips to discuss recent developments in Mexico, bilateral relations with the United States, and the country's role on the international stage.

Session Two: U.S.-Mexico Economic TiesThis panel will look at the current state of U.S.-Mexico trade, the health of both economies, and how to strengthen the bilateral economic relationship. Gerardo Esquivel, Professor of Economics, El Colegio de MexicoClaudio X. Gonzalez, Chairman of the Board, Kimberly-Clark de México, S.A.B. de C.V.Carla A. Hills, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Hills and Company International Consultants; Co-chair, Council on Foreign Relations; Former U.S. Trade RepresentativePresider:Matthew Bishop, American Business Editor,The Economist10:30 to 11:45 AM Meeting

Session Three: The Evolution and Future ofU.S.-Mexico RelationsJorge Castañeda, Former Secretary of Foreign Relations, United Mexican States; Global Distinguished Professor, Center for Latin American and Caribbean Studies, New York University; Author, Manana Forever?: Mexico and the MexicansRobert A. Pastor, Professor and Director of the Center for North American Studies, American University; Author, The North American Idea: A Vision of a Continental FuturePresider:James F. Hoge Jr., Counselor, Council on Foreign Relations; Former Editor, Foreign Affairs12:00 to 1:30 PM Lunch and Meeting

To RSVP, please indicate which sessions you would like to attend on the agenda and email meetings@cfr.org or call the Meetings Response Line at 212.434.9600.

12:30 to 1:45 PM SESSION ONE:U.S.-Mexico Relations TodayCarlos Pascual, Ambassador of the United States to MexicoArturo Sarukhan, Ambassador of Mexico to the United StatesPresider: Ray Suarez, Senior Correspondent, PBS NewsHour

In advance of the Global Forum on Migration and Development in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, join Assistant Secretary of State Eric Schwartz for a discussion of U.S. policy on international migration and the foreign policy aspects of the domestic immigration debate.

CFR Experts Guide

The Council on Foreign Relations' David Rockefeller Studies Program—CFR's "think tank"—is home to more than seventy full-time, adjunct, and visiting scholars and practitioners (called "fellows"). Their expertise covers the world's major regions as well as the critical issues shaping today's global agenda. Download the printable CFR Experts Guide.

New Council Special Reports

Campbell evaluates the implications of the Boko Haram insurgency and recommends that the United States support Nigerian efforts to address the drivers of Boko Haram, such as poverty and corruption, and to foster stronger ties with Nigerian civil society.

Koblentz argues that the United States should work with other nuclear-armed states to manage threats to nuclear stability in the near term and establish processes for multilateral arms control efforts over the longer term.

The authors argue that it is essential to begin working now to expand and establish rules and norms governing armed drones, thereby creating standards of behavior that other countries will be more likely to follow.

2014 Annual Report

Learn more about CFR’s mission and its work over the past year in the 2014 Annual Report. The Annual Report spotlights new initiatives, high-profile events, and authoritative scholarship from CFR experts, and includes a message from CFR President Richard N. Haass.Read and download »